Ramp up your career
Our Ramp Agents are the Heart of Southwest Airlines®.
Our Ramp Agents ensure Ground Operations run smoothly and safely by supporting various roles “Below the Wing,” including marshalling planes on the ground, loading/unloading commodities on and off aircraft, and transporting baggage, cargo, and other flight essentials in the outdoor elements. Ramp Agents are problem solvers who enjoy working collaboratively with other Ground Operations Teams to meet flight departure timelines.
Our benefits aren’t playing around:
Starting pay of at least $19.45/hour with opportunities for overtime and shift pick-ups
- Fly for free on any open seat on all Southwest® flights (your eligible dependents fly, too)
- Up to a 9.3% 401(k) Company match, dollar for dollar, per paycheck*
- An annual ProfitSharing contribution toward retirement—when we profit, you profit**
- Competitive health insurance for you and your family beginning on your first day of employment with select plans. Explore our Benefits page to learn more.
- Opportunity to get 10% off Southwest Airlines common stock
- Ground Ops Employees receive 100% parking cost coverage from Southwest when using designated Employee parking locations.
Wanna work outdoors and get your fitness in at the "office”? Let us know how to reach you and we’ll keep you updated on the latest job opportunities.
A day in the life.
Requirements for the Ramp
- Must be able to routinely lift and move items weighing 70 pounds or more and repetitively lift weights of 40 to 50 pounds on raised surfaces
- Must be able to climb, bend, kneel, crawl, and stoop frequently and for extended periods
- Must be able to work in cramped or high places
- Must be at least 18 years old at the time of application
- Must have authorization to work in the United States as defined by the Immigration Reform Act of 1986
- Must be able to work various shifts and/or overtime
- Must have a valid state motor vehicle operator’s license
- Must be able to pass all required background clearances
“My Southwest career started over 30 years ago as a Ramp Agent. I feel deeply connected to that role today as I now lead our Teams that support the training and development of the Employees who started where I did. We’re helping every Employee build a strong foundation from day one!”
- Bobby Loeb,
Vice President Southwest Airlines University
How to apply
Why Southwest Airlines?



*As of August 2025

Questions we often hear.
Shifts could include early mornings, late nights, weekends, holidays, and mandatory overtime.
After completing on-the-job training at the station, Employees report to Dallas for classroom training.
We have both voluntary and mandatory overtime. There is no limit to the voluntary overtime amount an Employee can work if they don’t work more than five consecutive double shifts in a row.
We won't require an Employee to work a mandatory overtime assignment of four or more hours placing them on a double shift if they’ve already worked three consecutive double shifts. They also won’t be required to work four or more hours of a mandatory overtime assignment if they’ve worked 12 or more consecutive days.
During the 180-day probationary period, Employees receive formal evaluations. Additionally, local Station Leadership continuously evaluates the Employee’s competency, attitude, and attendance during this time.
Learn about our interview stages and read more about what you can expect working at Southwest by taking a 30,000-foot view of our hiring process.
*401(k) match contributions are subject to the plan’s vesting schedule.
**ProfitSharing contributions are subject to the plan’s vesting schedule and are made at the discretion of the Company.